President Trump is making a final pre-election push in South Carolina on Thursday, holding a rally in Rock Hill to rally support for Republican Sen. Darline Graham, who faces an unexpectedly tight race against Democrat Annie Andrews.
The event, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. EDT, comes just days before the midterm elections and marks Trump's second visit to the Palmetto State in two weeks. His presence underscores GOP anxiety over a contest that was once considered safely Republican.
A recent New York Times/Siena College poll shows Graham and Andrews deadlocked at 48 percent each, a remarkable development in a state Trump carried by 17 points in 2024. The tight numbers have put South Carolina on the national map as Republicans scramble to protect their Senate majority.
Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, emerged from a contentious primary against Rep. Ralph Norman, a race that exposed lingering divisions within the state party. Trump's rally is partly aimed at unifying those factions and energizing the GOP base ahead of Election Day.
Political analysts suggest that Senate control may be slipping from the GOP's grasp as Trump's recent missteps have complicated the party's chances in key battlegrounds. South Carolina, once a safe bet, now appears competitive, prompting a heavier-than-usual presidential presence.
Trump's visit also highlights his broader strategy of deploying to Southern states in the final stretch. As part of that push, he and Vice President JD Vance have been fanning out across the South to shore up support among the party's base.
However, the president's involvement has not been without controversy. His recent threats against a federal judge over a golf course dispute have drawn criticism, raising questions about his conduct and its potential impact on undecided voters. Such distractions could prove costly in a race where every point matters.
Democrats, meanwhile, see an opportunity. Andrews, a public health advocate, has focused her campaign on local issues and has sought to tie Graham to the national GOP agenda. Her campaign has welcomed the attention, hoping to capitalize on any dissatisfaction with Trump's behavior.
As the rally gets underway, all eyes will be on the crowd's enthusiasm and the message Trump delivers. With the election just days away, both parties are treating South Carolina as a must-win, and the outcome could hinge on turnout in the state's rapidly growing suburban areas.
